NFL 2010 Preseason: What Is Julius Peppers Bringing To The Chicago Bears

This offseason, the Bears didn’t make headlines as often as last year, but don’t be fooled by their lack of national media coverage; they have a much better team and it’s mostly thanks to Julius Peppers. His highly anticipated signing was overshadowed by other news in the sports world.

The great thing about Peppers is that he is not only helping the Bears' defense, but the offense, too, the offensive line and Chris Williams. Peppers pushes Williams to the limit every play.

At first it clearly showed that Julius Pepper had the advantage, beating Chris Williams several times and reaching Jay Cutler, nevertheless, Williams hasbeen stepping up his game and now he has improved in his feet and hand movement.

But the addition of Peppers to the Bears organization was made to help the defense primarily. Throughout training camp, and hopefully during the whole season, he has done just that, especially with the front seven. Julius Pepper will attract double and even triple teams toward him, leaving Anthony Adams, Tommie Harris, or Mark Anderson a much easier hole to the QB or RB.

The linebackers get help too, primarily while they try to blitz , but Julius Peppers has the speed to step back and play as a linebacker during pass situations. He had two interceptions last year, and I think he will have at least one this upcoming season.

In other words, Julius Peppers not only brings veteran leadership to the table, he makes the offensive line better. He will make more blitzing situations and he will be reliable in the pass defense; he wasn’t named to the NFL All-Decade team for nothing.